Putting it charitably, my masonry skills are pretty rudimentary. I can build or repair a small cinder block wall, if you’re not too fussy about little details like having it straight and plumb. Usually, though, if I have a project where masonry skills are required, I call in someone who actually HAS masonry skills. Not only does this increase the probability of having a better finished product, it also makes it less likely the project will end with smashed fingers and a torrent of foul language. Sometimes, though, I still find myself with chisel in hand, doing a job that requires minimal skills, and that needs to be done NOW. After becoming exasperated (and moderately injured) during one such job recently, my son clued me in to the existence of cold chisels with hand guards. Who knew?! Read More